- Bottom Line
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We found that the Koda 12 not only looks sleek but also produces exceptional pizzas efficiently.
- Pros
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Simple set-up and straightforward operation. Reached over 500 degrees F in around 15 minutes in our trials, with cooked pizzas in about a minute. Sturdy and attractive design. We love how the entire oven is low maintenance, so users don’t have to worry about it being hard to use.
- Cons
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Uneven heating, especially in breezy conditions due to the way the burner is set up.
About the Product
Should You Get the Ooni Koda 12?
For those who adore authentic pizza, a dedicated pizza oven like this is a must-have. Known for evenly cooked pizzas with crispy crusts, the Ooni Koda 12 can deliver delightful results in just a minute. However, the placement of the burner can affect heat distribution, which is crucial for perfect cooking.
We tested the Ooni Koda 12 to see if it lives up to its reputation, and it certainly does.
Testing the Ooni Koda 12
At FranksWaffle, we evaluate products in typical home settings to mirror the experience of buyers. For this review, our tester, who is experienced with pizza ovens and owns an Ooni 16, assembled the Koda 12 and tested its portability and performance while cooking various pizzas.
What is the Ooni Koda 12?
The Ooni Koda 12 is a gas-powered pizza oven that reaches a remarkable 950 degrees in just 15 minutes. Its compact and stylish design makes it user-friendly, and it comes almost fully assembled, requiring only a propane tank to get started.
Designed to create authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, the oven ensures a crispy crust and evenly cooked toppings. It’s also easy to clean, as its high heat can burn off debris.
Check out our reviews for the best outdoor pizza ovens to see how it stacks up against competitors.
Ooni Koda 12 Price and Where to Buy
The Ooni Koda 12 is priced at around £400, available through Amazon. Although it’s on the higher end compared to similar ovens, its performance justifies the price.
How to Use the Ooni Koda 12
The setup is straightforward. Start by extending the legs and inserting the stone after removing the oven body from the box. Connect the gas line to a propane tank, and ignite the oven by turning the gas dial to the “high” setting.
The oven features an automatic gas shut-off if it doesn’t detect a flame, so allow it to heat up before releasing the dial. While the ignition can take a moment, it’s generally not complicated. The gas line length allows for flexibility in setup, although a longer hose could enhance convenience.
Inserting the pizza stone requires careful placement, but it’s manageable. The single burner is located at the back, necessitating frequent turning of pizzas to avoid uneven cooking.
Without a built-in heat gauge, some guesswork is involved, but with practice, you’ll learn the optimal settings for your cooking.
Ooni Koda 12 Benefits
The Ooni Koda 12 heats up rapidly, making it an excellent choice for quick meals. Although the design is prone to wind interference, the oven can produce delicious pizzas swiftly, and it can also be used for other foods with the right accessories.
Weighing around 29 pounds, it’s significantly more portable than the Ooni 16, and its stylish design fits well in any outdoor setting.
The stable three-legged base ensures it remains steady during use, and it’s easy to turn pizzas with a full-size peel. The high heat effectively cleans off most residue, reducing the frequency of maintenance.
Ooni Koda 12 Drawbacks
The single burner can lead to uneven cooking, particularly in windy weather, though frequent pizza turning helps mitigate this issue. Its compact size may complicate stone removal after cooking, and the learning curve can lead to a few burnt pizzas.
Moreover, the absence of a temperature gauge necessitates some guesswork, and while our testing team experienced no issues with gas line length, it could be a limitation depending on your setup.
Should You Get the Ooni Koda 12?
The Ooni Koda 12 is ideal for pizza lovers seeking a compact, entry-level oven. It heats up quickly, perfect for impromptu pizza nights, and its sleek design suits any outdoor space.
However, potential buyers should consider the uneven cooking resulting from its single burner and the challenge of pizza stone removal as possible drawbacks.